Visitor Information

Tobacco FAQ

Tobacco-free policy FAQ

On January 4, 2010, Legacy Health became tobacco-free, campus-wide. If you have questions beyond what's covered here, feel free to email us at TobaccoFree@LHS.org.

What does that mean, exactly?
No tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, chew tobacco and cigars, will be permitted on any property owned or leased by Legacy Health. All employees, patients, visitors and guests who want to smoke or use tobacco products will need to leave the property.

Why is Legacy focusing on tobacco versus other health risks?
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death and preventable disease in the United States. More and more hospitals now limit the use of tobacco, and Legacy's leadership has decided that it's time for us to take this step.

How will the policy be enforced?
Anyone violating the policy will be courteously informed about our campus-wide ban on tobacco use. For emergency patients or other patients who may have difficulty with ceasing their regular tobacco use, a physician can order nicotine replacement therapy.

Where can I go to smoke?
You will need to leave Legacy property to use any tobacco product. Sidewalks and streets that not within the Legacy medical center campuses are considered public property.

What about using restrooms, stairwells or cars as places to smoke?
Smoking anywhere inside our buildings, including stairwells and restrooms, or within 10 feet of any entrance, exit, window or air vent, is a violation of Oregon state law and could result in disciplinary action.

How can I kick the tobacco habit myself, or help someone else to kick it?

Quitting tobacco can be a difficult and long-term process. On average it takes more than six serious attempts, with alternating success and setbacks. One excellent resource is the Tobacco Quit Line of Oregon and Washington: call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to talk about quitting or helping someone else quit. You can also visit the Oregon Quit Line or Washington Quit Line.